Chambray

Chambray is a cotton plain-weave fabric made with a dyed warp yarn and a white filling yarn. Chambray is traditionally light blue in color, but can be found in a wide range of fashion colors. While it may look like denim, chambray is lighter and is woven differently. It has a softer texture than denim and is thinner in construction.

Chambray dates to the mid-1500s, and was once synonymous with “cambric,” another lightweight plain weave fabric made in the French town of Cambrai. In early twentieth-century United States, many laborers wore denim pants and chambray shirts, which led to the term “blue collar.”

Today, chambray has become a very common fabric for all kinds of clothing, from men’s and women’s shirting to lightweight summer dresses. You can even find chambray ties. Because chambray is made with cotton, it will keep you cool in dry heat and humidity. Chambray often comes in a higher thread count, which means it’s a finer weave and a more breathable fabric. Stylist Tip: Chambray has a similar look to denim so you can get the look without the weight of denim.

Because chambray is typically 100% cotton, it will soften well with every wash cycle. To avoid shrinkage, wash with cold water and tumble dry on the low setting.

Chambray fabric does wrinkle easily, and it should be pressed with a hot iron (on the cotton setting) and steam. For more tips on how to release wrinkles without an iron, click here.

If your chambray item is 100% cotton, it will be easier to remove stains from, and it releases odor more easily in the wash.

Because chambray is typically 100% cotton, it will soften well with every wash cycle. To avoid shrinkage, wash with cold water and tumble dry on the low setting.

Chambray fabric does wrinkle easily, and it should be pressed with a hot iron (on the cotton setting) and steam. For more tips on how to release wrinkles without an iron, click here.